SUN FAST 35 Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The Sun Fast 35 is a high-performance cruiser-racer designed by Marc Lombard for Jeanneau, targeting sailors who demand speed without sacrificing comfort. This design philosophy balances a competitive offshore pedigree with the functional requirements of fast coastal cruising.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

Analysis of the Sun Fast 35's rig dimensions reveals a well-balanced, modern sail plan:

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 3.22 indicates a high-aspect ratio rig, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency and lift when sailing upwind.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.37 is perfectly suited for modern non-overlapping jibs or moderate overlapping genoas, offering versatility across wind ranges.
• Sail Area: 54m² total upwind area provides a strong power-to-weight ratio for a 10.44m hull.
• Performance: The sail plan is heavily oriented toward performance, making the boat exceptionally weatherly and responsive in light to moderate conditions.

Popular Sail Configurations

Standard configurations vary based on the specific yacht's use case, but generally follow performance trends:

• Mainsail: Typically a full-batten or power-head mainsail to maximize the 12.89m luff length.
• Headsail: Common setups include a 135% furling genoa for cruising or a series of change jibs (J1, J2, J3) for racing applications.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Efficiency: The 3.22 P/E ratio ensures superior lift and reduced drag on the mainsail.
• Balanced Handling: The 3.37 I/J ratio allows for manageable headsail tacks and efficient sheeting angles.
• Exceptional Stability: The 2.14m draft supports the tall rig, making the boat stiff and capable in a breeze.
• Design Pedigree: Lombard's hull shape ensures a weatherly boat that maintains momentum in choppy seas.

Sailing Considerations

• High-aspect rigs provide excellent pointing but require precise trim to avoid stalling.
• The boat is easily handled by a crew of two or three for cruising, though racing requires more active weight management.
• Expect a stiff, predictable feel up to 18 knots of true wind before needing to depower.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the SUN FAST 35, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize performance and minimize weight aloft. For cruising or bluewater sailing, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 3.22 P/E ratio, a tri-radial fiber layout works best to handle the high vertical loads of the mainsail. A typical inventory includes a performance mainsail and a 105% LP jib for versatility. With 54m² of sail area, plan to reef around 17-19 knots to maintain a comfortable heel angle and helm balance.

Conclusion

The SUN FAST 35 is a refined performance platform that responds exceptionally well to modern sail materials. Explore SurgeX membrane sail options for your SUN FAST 35 to maximize durability and racing performance.